The Zack Snyder era of DC Comics movies, and the Christopher Nolan “Batman” films” before that, are often described as being “dark and gritty” comic movies. Sometimes that’s an adjective — and sometimes it’s a knock against the films.
When it comes to “Man of Steel” and “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” the heavy focus on dark themes and deadly superheroes is a pretty definite negative. Those movies get a lot of flack for being obsessed with their dark tone and imagery. That’s how you get Superman, a hero defined by his empathy and lifesaving actions, participating in a city-destroying battle that must have killed hundreds.